1. I think they show many ways in which the characters show the Do spirit within themselves. One would be how the baker talked about how he loved his craft of baking. By showing how much he was knowledgeable about it, it really showed how he dedicated himself to his art form and found his harmony in life with it. Another example would how the tank commander would still practice his horse jumping, even though it would not be necessary for combat what-so-ever. The biggest and last example I think you can see throughout the film is how the General really dedicated himself to being an honorable leader and being very knowledgeable about how to best defend against the American advancements.
2. I feel that drinking for the General and his old friend really shows a sense of Najimu. I have always felt that drinking with someone in such a manner shows that you respect the person and can trust them yourself while you are inebriate. Also, when you tend to drink you will tend to talk about more personal things rather than just business, which would also build this sense of Najimu.
3. A very negative effect of Hedataru to Najimu with the sense of "uchi to soto" can be observed by looking at the interaction between the navy leaders and the army ones. They consider each other to be complete separate entities while, as stated by the General very early, they need to work together in order to put up a better stand. It was reflected time and time again throughout the film and it caused a lot of men to die for nothing.
4. The biggest example of the terrible effects of groupism in this film would be the scene where the unit committed a mass suicide with grenades. You could see that many of them did not want to, yet they still did, even while in tears. Even though many of them didn't see the value in killing themselves, they still did it because everyone else was doing it, and they didn't want to be singled out as dishonorable.
5. When they read Sam's mother's letter they really began to see that the Americans were very similar to them. It changed them from very Hedataru to a little bit closer to Najimu than they ever thought an American could be. To put it in other words, they were no longer just soto, they became a little more uchi by hearing that letter. One soldier even stated, my mother said very similar things to me, they seem just the same as us and not these savages I was taught to think they were.
6. I see very many similar ideals for the idea of the way of being a warrior, or Bushido, between both films. Honor is very important, it was spoken of throughout the entirety of the film. With this in mind, it really shows how the war in the Pacific was considered a very hard and bloody endeavor. This need to stay honor caused many Japanese soldiers to fight literally to the last man, even when they were out of food, water, and even ammunition. The want to die honorably and to never surrender really shaped the Japanese defensive and shows why it took so long to win in the Pacific.
7. I feel that there were many examples of Haragei in the war. The first one that comes to mind from the film, would be the fact that the General was never told about the defeat of the Combined Fleet. This showed that the empire wanted to keep its face, even if it screwed over those who were working to defend it. Another example would be the many times that the soldiers did not fight back against there leaders and just went with the flow of things. It kinda showed their want to to "keep face" with their leaders.
8. Saigo and Lieutenant Ito both got captured in the end of it all. However, when you look into them as characters, they seem like complete opposites to end in the same fate. Saigo has a very small sense of patriotism, to him the country's war has only led to him losing his business and separating him from his dear wife. Ito, however, is patriotic to the point where he is willing to kill himself to destroy one of the American tanks. He is willing to sacrifice his body for his Emperor and the glory of his country. I feel that they having differing views really drove me to feel more towards Saigo. Saigo seemed more sane and rationale with his way of thought. However, Ito seemed more blinded by the group thought and his sense of Bushido.
9. The most obvious concept that we learned previously in class would be Bushido. This film being about a more modern version of the warrior class, we can see throughout how those ideals are still stuck within the military. Many times they talked about honor, loyalty to their Emperor and such. It would be very hard to find a scene where at least one aspect or another of Bushido is shown in some way.
10. I really learned a lot from this film. I found it very interesting that the General's idea of how to defend the island was not held in good regards with his subordinates. As we know, Iwo Itta was one of the hardest battles one by the Americans in the Pacific and one of the most influential. The fact that the General was able to do so much in the time he was given is pretty awesome.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Blog #7
After Discussion Reflection:
I feel that the discussion went very well. There were many different opinions being shared and I feel that is always a very positive thing when looking at an in class discussion. One thing that sticks out to me was the discussion on the different thoughts on how the ending of the movie went. To many they saw it as a very sad ending, however I feel that the ending was perfect and despite the gore, a very happy ending. Magoza, by committing sepuku, finally felt like he was in his place in the world. He had fulfilled his obligations to his leader and finally could have an honorable death, that he was denied many, many years ago. I feel if you take this into account, the ending becomes a bit happier.
Hedataru to Najimu:
a) "According to Hall (1970, pp 169-170), 90 centimeters is the limit for physically controlling others, or the distance from which one can maintain personal negotiations. Therefore, sanjyaku is the most appropriate distance for master-subordinate relationships. SImilarlyk, to step on one's shadow indicates and infringement of one's personal space. For example, Japanese dhildren often enjoy playing a game called kage-fumi 9i.e., stepping on one another's shadows)..." pg 110
I find this concept to be very interesting. I know that in American culture compared to European culture we are considered to have a much larger personal space bubble. The fact that there is a culture that has even a wider range of well established personal space is very fascinating. While once you look into the reasoning behind why this came to be, it starts to become very clear, the idea still is a little bizarre. It seems to come up again and again that old traditions in Japanese culture seem to die very hard, while in American culture we seem to be a little more fluid with our way of life.
b) "There was an important convention in Japan that only disappeared recently whereby women were supposed to show their obedience to their husbands by walking a certain distance behind them. This practice may seem archaic to many Japanese today, but Americans who visited Japan right after the war were known to have commented on this custom." pg 110
This idea of showing your love and obedience to your husband by walking a distance behind your husband seems very strange to me. In America, if there is any equivalent to this in anyway, walking with your husband or partner side by side would be considered as more of a sign of love and devotion. However, it's not held the same equivalence as being obedient in a sense but rather just showing you care about your partner and want to be near them. This show others that you and your partner are close. I honestly can't see why this practice would have any practical use, and it seems modern Japan is showing similar feelings, since this is a "archaic practice."
Shudan Ishiki:
a) "These three categories, two uchi and one soto, are said to be formed by one's twenties and seldom change. The Japanese strongly distinguish uchi from soto and are said to be poor at getting along with those who are soto." pg 196
I feel that this would never be the case in an American culture. I remember once hearing that you never can look into the future and love the same people, things, or ideas. We are a culture where we are always expanding our views and the people we interact with. I know for a fact that the people that I would've considered my "uchi" are definitely not the same to this day and some would even go under the category of "soto." However, looking into the idea that many Japanese have this very ingrained idea of group think and the need to establish those groups at an early age, just when you are coming into the world as an adult makes sense.
b) "There is no doubt that the harmony of a group is vitally important in Japanese society. People often think and behave as a group, and what benefits the group is mostly regarded as the correct thing to do." pg 196
I feel this way of thinking can be very dangerous. Most Americans would classify this as a almost cult way of life and can lead to very bad situations. The book itself goes on to talk about how this has at times been very instrumental in some of the most notorious downfalls of the Japanese people. One that comes to mind for me would be the Rape of Nanjing, which has a horrific event that can definitely be attributed to this way of thinking. However, it has also led to the ability of Japan to become such an economic and industrial power in the modern world. It is very interesting to see how this has played out through the years.
The Do Spirit of Japan:
a) "Then there are patterns or forms to follow, practice is repetitive, and moves must be repeated thousands of times and perfected before new techniques may be learned. The purpose of such discipline is not only to learn new skills but also to build good character and a sense of harmony in the disciple." pg 76
I know that I would never be able to follow such devotion and time into learning an art. I feel that we as Americans want to learn the next step after we have an idea of the beginning in order to help us understand the whole concept holistically. I would be very impatient with this concept of learning, but then again I guess it would help with building a better character. Understanding this definitely gives me more insight into Jiro and his ways of practicing teaching his subordinates on how to make sushi. Overall, it allows us to understand the Japanese way of teaching in a better sense.
b) "Teaching is kept simple, inflexible, and strictly controlled, and involves imitating the movements of a master rather than a detailed and analytical verbal explanations.
This is very different than the teaching styles in the United States. Our system seems more of a give general over-site and allow the students to learn themselves. This, in my opinion, allows you to better understand what you are doing, and if you are making mistakes what exactly you can do to better yourself. I feel that you don't really learn by just watching and repeating what is being said. However, I can see how this would play into the Japanese culture of group think, for it doesn't allow for original thought but one more what is already established.
Haragei:
a) "Thus, people depend on the sensitivity of others to understand the real messages in social interactions. The Japanese also count on the passing of time to help resolve problems in communication." pg 104
I feel like I would go insane under such a system. I like things to be very black and white and I hate having to try and understand if someone is trying to convey a different message. I think this can be seen in American culture when you look at relationships between couples. A partner may say one thing but be trying to convey a whole entire message. I know that I go crazy in such situations and I can't imagine having to deal with that with every single interaction. Once again, this goes into the idea of Japanese people trying very hard to keep harmony within a group by not being straightforward.
b) "In a high-context culture, like that of Japan, people tend not to ask many questions and value silence. they are patient with regard to vagueness. On the contrary, in low_context cultures, such as those of the West, people often ask question to try to make everything clear, because they are less tolerant about ambiguous situations." pg 105
I completely agree with the second part of this citation. We in the West definitely value directness over this idea of ambiguity. I know personally, as I stated before, that I like things to be black and white, and have no doubt on what is being stated towards me. Also, as stated before, I can see why this is valued in Japanese culture, in order to keep harmony within the group. I feel that this analytical outlook on the two cultures definitely allows me to have a better understanding into the differences in communication between those under such pretexts.
I feel that the discussion went very well. There were many different opinions being shared and I feel that is always a very positive thing when looking at an in class discussion. One thing that sticks out to me was the discussion on the different thoughts on how the ending of the movie went. To many they saw it as a very sad ending, however I feel that the ending was perfect and despite the gore, a very happy ending. Magoza, by committing sepuku, finally felt like he was in his place in the world. He had fulfilled his obligations to his leader and finally could have an honorable death, that he was denied many, many years ago. I feel if you take this into account, the ending becomes a bit happier.
Hedataru to Najimu:
a) "According to Hall (1970, pp 169-170), 90 centimeters is the limit for physically controlling others, or the distance from which one can maintain personal negotiations. Therefore, sanjyaku is the most appropriate distance for master-subordinate relationships. SImilarlyk, to step on one's shadow indicates and infringement of one's personal space. For example, Japanese dhildren often enjoy playing a game called kage-fumi 9i.e., stepping on one another's shadows)..." pg 110
I find this concept to be very interesting. I know that in American culture compared to European culture we are considered to have a much larger personal space bubble. The fact that there is a culture that has even a wider range of well established personal space is very fascinating. While once you look into the reasoning behind why this came to be, it starts to become very clear, the idea still is a little bizarre. It seems to come up again and again that old traditions in Japanese culture seem to die very hard, while in American culture we seem to be a little more fluid with our way of life.
b) "There was an important convention in Japan that only disappeared recently whereby women were supposed to show their obedience to their husbands by walking a certain distance behind them. This practice may seem archaic to many Japanese today, but Americans who visited Japan right after the war were known to have commented on this custom." pg 110
This idea of showing your love and obedience to your husband by walking a distance behind your husband seems very strange to me. In America, if there is any equivalent to this in anyway, walking with your husband or partner side by side would be considered as more of a sign of love and devotion. However, it's not held the same equivalence as being obedient in a sense but rather just showing you care about your partner and want to be near them. This show others that you and your partner are close. I honestly can't see why this practice would have any practical use, and it seems modern Japan is showing similar feelings, since this is a "archaic practice."
Shudan Ishiki:
a) "These three categories, two uchi and one soto, are said to be formed by one's twenties and seldom change. The Japanese strongly distinguish uchi from soto and are said to be poor at getting along with those who are soto." pg 196
I feel that this would never be the case in an American culture. I remember once hearing that you never can look into the future and love the same people, things, or ideas. We are a culture where we are always expanding our views and the people we interact with. I know for a fact that the people that I would've considered my "uchi" are definitely not the same to this day and some would even go under the category of "soto." However, looking into the idea that many Japanese have this very ingrained idea of group think and the need to establish those groups at an early age, just when you are coming into the world as an adult makes sense.
b) "There is no doubt that the harmony of a group is vitally important in Japanese society. People often think and behave as a group, and what benefits the group is mostly regarded as the correct thing to do." pg 196
I feel this way of thinking can be very dangerous. Most Americans would classify this as a almost cult way of life and can lead to very bad situations. The book itself goes on to talk about how this has at times been very instrumental in some of the most notorious downfalls of the Japanese people. One that comes to mind for me would be the Rape of Nanjing, which has a horrific event that can definitely be attributed to this way of thinking. However, it has also led to the ability of Japan to become such an economic and industrial power in the modern world. It is very interesting to see how this has played out through the years.
The Do Spirit of Japan:
a) "Then there are patterns or forms to follow, practice is repetitive, and moves must be repeated thousands of times and perfected before new techniques may be learned. The purpose of such discipline is not only to learn new skills but also to build good character and a sense of harmony in the disciple." pg 76
I know that I would never be able to follow such devotion and time into learning an art. I feel that we as Americans want to learn the next step after we have an idea of the beginning in order to help us understand the whole concept holistically. I would be very impatient with this concept of learning, but then again I guess it would help with building a better character. Understanding this definitely gives me more insight into Jiro and his ways of practicing teaching his subordinates on how to make sushi. Overall, it allows us to understand the Japanese way of teaching in a better sense.
b) "Teaching is kept simple, inflexible, and strictly controlled, and involves imitating the movements of a master rather than a detailed and analytical verbal explanations.
This is very different than the teaching styles in the United States. Our system seems more of a give general over-site and allow the students to learn themselves. This, in my opinion, allows you to better understand what you are doing, and if you are making mistakes what exactly you can do to better yourself. I feel that you don't really learn by just watching and repeating what is being said. However, I can see how this would play into the Japanese culture of group think, for it doesn't allow for original thought but one more what is already established.
Haragei:
a) "Thus, people depend on the sensitivity of others to understand the real messages in social interactions. The Japanese also count on the passing of time to help resolve problems in communication." pg 104
I feel like I would go insane under such a system. I like things to be very black and white and I hate having to try and understand if someone is trying to convey a different message. I think this can be seen in American culture when you look at relationships between couples. A partner may say one thing but be trying to convey a whole entire message. I know that I go crazy in such situations and I can't imagine having to deal with that with every single interaction. Once again, this goes into the idea of Japanese people trying very hard to keep harmony within a group by not being straightforward.
b) "In a high-context culture, like that of Japan, people tend not to ask many questions and value silence. they are patient with regard to vagueness. On the contrary, in low_context cultures, such as those of the West, people often ask question to try to make everything clear, because they are less tolerant about ambiguous situations." pg 105
I completely agree with the second part of this citation. We in the West definitely value directness over this idea of ambiguity. I know personally, as I stated before, that I like things to be black and white, and have no doubt on what is being stated towards me. Also, as stated before, I can see why this is valued in Japanese culture, in order to keep harmony within the group. I feel that this analytical outlook on the two cultures definitely allows me to have a better understanding into the differences in communication between those under such pretexts.
Blog #6
1. Magoza showed Bushido in many ways. When he talked about how the way of the warrior is to not have feelings, this reflected the teachings of Bushido. At the early times of Bushido, Zen Buddhism had a very large impact on the belief. It taught that you must have control of the mind, to be calm at all times. This would include the desire to want, or miss someone. It would be dishonorable if he did not have complete control of these feelings, so by stating that he did not he showed his Bushido. Another instance where he showed Bushido, was the fact that he didn't tell his oldest and dearest friend why he left the night of the raid. This showed his loyalty to his lord, for he was given a command and he carried it out to the letter despite his owns wants.
2. Obligation means an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment. Giri is more of a self-sacrificing devotion in order to keep harmony. They are similar yet not the same. Obligation is more of a personal thing towards something or someone. Giri seems to be more of a cutural understanding that you are required no matter what to fulfill an act or the need to give something back to someone.
3. While their are some similarities between Bushido and Girri, they are two separate entities. Bushido is the way of the warrior. It only can be implied to those of the warrior class. An example of pure Bushido would be when Kichiemon went out to all the families at the beginning of the movie and gave money to the families of the dead warriors. This was a sense of the lord paying back the dead warriors for their acts of valor. It also was Bushido because Kichiemon did not rest until after the last family was given their monetary gift. Girri is more of a concept that can be applied to all people, including the warrior class. It is more of a self-sacrifice to perform a social obligation. An example of this can be seen when Kane makes a robe for Magoza for all his time and devotion he has put into raising her.
4. There are many scenes that show the Japanese ie system. One would be when the father of the merchant family is the one that makes the decision on whether or not this Kane is a suitable match for his son. In the end, even though his son finds her very attractive, it was known that his father had all the say in whether or not she would marry his son. Another scene that showed this system was when Magoza came to sell his wares to the merchant, and while the son was present, in the end it was his father that he had to go see in order to sell the vase.
5. There are many conflicts that appear between Magoza and Kane under the ie system. The best example of this conflict is during the dinner scene where Magoza and Kane had a power shift over where Magoza was to eat. While he was the equivalent of the father and therefore the head of the household, Kane was still, while she didn't know, the head of the household that Magoza was pledged to serve his whole life to. This created an interesting scene where we could visibly see a power shift between the two characters within the movie.
6. I feel that in American culture, women are treated better than men within a family. Women are told to be precious flowers that we have to love and respect, and their is no debating that idea. There has been many times where my sister was given a better treatment within my family solely because she is a girl, despite the fact I am only 1 year older than she is. Also, I can't even count all the times I have been told by peers, my parents, my grandparents, and even complete strangers that you must treat women with respect and practically put them up on a pedestal. Overall, while some would disagree, I feel women are treated better in a relationship and are given the benefit of the doubt more often then men.
7. Magoza's wish as the head of the house was to follow his Bushido and to complete the task that was set before him by his commander. He wanted to make sure that Kane had a suitable marriage and that she would be happy in the marriage that she would be in. However, Kane had the wish to marry Magoza which wasn't going to fulfill all of the commands set before Magoza, for he wouldn't be a suitable match. I would say that Magoza did not ignore her wishes at any time, if he were to ignore them, he would have made the match the second the merchant father had set upon him to find Kane. He waited until the omiai was accepted by Kane, rather than just throwing her into it.
8. I feel that the ending of this story will be a love suicide by both Kane and Magoza. It has been forshadowed many times within the play in the movie. Since this love would be considered dishonorable in some way, for Magoza didn't follow his commands by marrying her. This would follow the concept of Bushido where people "are driven to commit suicie when they want to clear an unsavory reputation or when they want to apologize for their sins or mistakes."
9. I think they use the concepts of Kenkyo and Amae very effectively within the film. Magoza is the very definition of Kenkyo in my opinion. Everything he does is an act of modesty and he really never takes praise and jsut pushes it under the rug like it was nothing. Amae can definitely be seen in the relationship between Kane and Magoza. Kane needs Magoza to feel happy, and in turn Magoza needs Kane. It is very easy to see this "need of benevolence" between the two characters throughout the film.
10. I feel like this film is very interesting overall. It seems to really show how important Bushido was and still is the the Japanese people today. However, I find many aspects very strange and even annoying. The best example of this that I can give is the Japanese play, I do not understand how anyone in any time of history could ever consider that art form good. However, different strokes for different boats.
* Why eww?
I feel that the this want for a romantic relationship with someone who she could consider her father is very gross. I feel that in American culture, the want or desire to have a romantic relationship with a parent or parental figure is considered very taboo. It is ingrained into our social structure that that desire is very wrong and should be shunned. That's why I feel I was saying ewww.
2. Obligation means an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment. Giri is more of a self-sacrificing devotion in order to keep harmony. They are similar yet not the same. Obligation is more of a personal thing towards something or someone. Giri seems to be more of a cutural understanding that you are required no matter what to fulfill an act or the need to give something back to someone.
3. While their are some similarities between Bushido and Girri, they are two separate entities. Bushido is the way of the warrior. It only can be implied to those of the warrior class. An example of pure Bushido would be when Kichiemon went out to all the families at the beginning of the movie and gave money to the families of the dead warriors. This was a sense of the lord paying back the dead warriors for their acts of valor. It also was Bushido because Kichiemon did not rest until after the last family was given their monetary gift. Girri is more of a concept that can be applied to all people, including the warrior class. It is more of a self-sacrifice to perform a social obligation. An example of this can be seen when Kane makes a robe for Magoza for all his time and devotion he has put into raising her.
4. There are many scenes that show the Japanese ie system. One would be when the father of the merchant family is the one that makes the decision on whether or not this Kane is a suitable match for his son. In the end, even though his son finds her very attractive, it was known that his father had all the say in whether or not she would marry his son. Another scene that showed this system was when Magoza came to sell his wares to the merchant, and while the son was present, in the end it was his father that he had to go see in order to sell the vase.
5. There are many conflicts that appear between Magoza and Kane under the ie system. The best example of this conflict is during the dinner scene where Magoza and Kane had a power shift over where Magoza was to eat. While he was the equivalent of the father and therefore the head of the household, Kane was still, while she didn't know, the head of the household that Magoza was pledged to serve his whole life to. This created an interesting scene where we could visibly see a power shift between the two characters within the movie.
6. I feel that in American culture, women are treated better than men within a family. Women are told to be precious flowers that we have to love and respect, and their is no debating that idea. There has been many times where my sister was given a better treatment within my family solely because she is a girl, despite the fact I am only 1 year older than she is. Also, I can't even count all the times I have been told by peers, my parents, my grandparents, and even complete strangers that you must treat women with respect and practically put them up on a pedestal. Overall, while some would disagree, I feel women are treated better in a relationship and are given the benefit of the doubt more often then men.
7. Magoza's wish as the head of the house was to follow his Bushido and to complete the task that was set before him by his commander. He wanted to make sure that Kane had a suitable marriage and that she would be happy in the marriage that she would be in. However, Kane had the wish to marry Magoza which wasn't going to fulfill all of the commands set before Magoza, for he wouldn't be a suitable match. I would say that Magoza did not ignore her wishes at any time, if he were to ignore them, he would have made the match the second the merchant father had set upon him to find Kane. He waited until the omiai was accepted by Kane, rather than just throwing her into it.
8. I feel that the ending of this story will be a love suicide by both Kane and Magoza. It has been forshadowed many times within the play in the movie. Since this love would be considered dishonorable in some way, for Magoza didn't follow his commands by marrying her. This would follow the concept of Bushido where people "are driven to commit suicie when they want to clear an unsavory reputation or when they want to apologize for their sins or mistakes."
9. I think they use the concepts of Kenkyo and Amae very effectively within the film. Magoza is the very definition of Kenkyo in my opinion. Everything he does is an act of modesty and he really never takes praise and jsut pushes it under the rug like it was nothing. Amae can definitely be seen in the relationship between Kane and Magoza. Kane needs Magoza to feel happy, and in turn Magoza needs Kane. It is very easy to see this "need of benevolence" between the two characters throughout the film.
10. I feel like this film is very interesting overall. It seems to really show how important Bushido was and still is the the Japanese people today. However, I find many aspects very strange and even annoying. The best example of this that I can give is the Japanese play, I do not understand how anyone in any time of history could ever consider that art form good. However, different strokes for different boats.
* Why eww?
I feel that the this want for a romantic relationship with someone who she could consider her father is very gross. I feel that in American culture, the want or desire to have a romantic relationship with a parent or parental figure is considered very taboo. It is ingrained into our social structure that that desire is very wrong and should be shunned. That's why I feel I was saying ewww.
Blog #5
After Discussion Reflection:
I felt this discussion was overall good, I didn't agree with everything that was said, however I definitely enjoy being challenged and seeing a different opinion to an idea I have. I feel like I was a little out of it because I wasn't feeling well but that is the life of a student.
Bushido:
a) "Thus, the spiritual elements of bushido come from Zen Buddhism, and Zen religious practices were used by samurai to train physically and mentally. They acquired skill in improving their military acts in a way that kept the mind calm, whatever happened, through Zen." pg 43
I found this very interesting. I never would have guessed that Zen Buddhism would be the backbone of such a famous force of military power. The idea of committing yourself to this way of thinking and life would not sit well with most Americans. I feel that we, at least my generation, overall do not devote ourselves so much to our ways of life. We are, in general, a generation that looks for an easier way to achieve our goals, and would not put in the time in order to reach such a highly developed way of living. However, this does give me more insight into how the samurais were as powerful and skilled as they were to be told.
b) "Moreover, in modern times, some Japanese are driven to commit suicide when they want to clear an unsavory reputation or when they want to apologize for their sins or mistakes in their company or family. The Japanese people tend to accept and even glorify these kinds of suicides and feel sympathy for the victims..." pg 48
I have to say I find this quite appalling. I have always been taught life is precious. No matter what the world throws at you, if you are able to get through it, you will come out a stronger and wiser person. This idea that it is "accepted and glorified" is very shocking to me and I would even say dangerous. I know that many other Americans, especially teens who are growing up in a world of confusion due to hormones, peer pressure, etc, would state just the same thing. I honestly think this shows us why Japan's teenage suicide rate is so high. Out of the many aspects of bushido,this one, in my opinion, is the worst to still remain in a modern society.
Giri:
a) "if you receive a present from someone, you should return something which is of equal value" pg 97
I feel that this is not the same in the United States. While we would like to try and be giving gifts close to the same value as those who we are receiving them from, it is not always the case with people. There have been many times when I have given a gift to someone out of the sheer want to give a gift and see them enjoy it. However, I do not always expect a gift in return. There's a saying in the United States, "it's the thought that counts." This really does apply to our general way of thinking about giving and receiving gifts. Also, I feel that we appreciate gifts that are sentimental rather than by the price-tag and this concept can make it hard to give a gift of "equal value." I can see why this applies in Japanese culture, since it has been ingrained into their ways of life for many, many years; however, I do not see it being exactly equivalent in American culture.
b) "Chinese religious ritual was thus transformed into a custom of gift exchange in Japan..." pg 98
I picked this quote because it reminded me of the Western holiday known as Christmas. I found it funny that two separate cultures can come to the same end means of taking a religious holiday and turning it into a way of giving gifts. I feel that most Americans could understand this idea of giving gifts on a holiday but maybe not to the extent that they do it. We do it not really out of obligation most of the time but out of the want to "bless" someone with a gift. However, it seems in Japan it is practically mandatory for them to do so. Overall though, I feel it is really cool to see that Japanese culture and Western culture can develop very similarly, it definitely shows we are not that all different.
The Japanese ie System:
a) "...the Japanese adoption system had two main goals: (I) to obtain an heir to succeed to the ownership of the land and property, and (II) to ensure the performance of proper rites for the sake of the family's ancestors." pg 121
I find this system for adoption very peculiar. Adoption, within our culture, has always been a way for families to provide care for a child that has lost his/her parents in one way or another. While, at times, it has been a way for people who are unable to to have their own kids, this basis of adoption can still be applied. It seems very foreign to me to want to adopt someone for the sole purpose of continuing the family line and making sure your ancestors are properly worshiped and such. However, once you understand how important these are to the people of Japan, it is easy to see how this system came to be. It really reflects how important the family name is and the deepness of their religious customs.
b) "On the other hand, women still tend to avoid eldest sons when they marry, because the eldest son has to take care of his parents in the ie system." pg 124
I never thought that this could be a thing in a modern day super power. For me, I know that I will marry the person I love, no matter what their family obligations are. I feel that in America, we value the connection with a person over their family ties. Also, we don't really have a system for who has to take care of our parents. It feels like in our culture, if there is any sort of obligation to do so, it seems to be more divided equally among all the children rather than just the eldest son. However, once again, the fact that this is still a factor in Japanese life, this allows us to see how much their culture is based on traditional values that date way back. I feel that seeing this allows us to better understand the Japanese way of life.
Omiai:
a) "The wishes of the people who were getting married were most often ignored, and sometimes the couple did not even meet each other until the day of their wedding." pg 166
I feel that I could never go through such a marriage. To me, marriage has always been the ultimate way to show that you have love and affection for a person. It is one of the biggest things you can do to show your devotion to someone by getting married. Under a system of an arranged marriage, I would feel that this would not be so. However, I can see the reasoning behind it and I feel most Americans could see it as well. That being said, I do not feel many Americans would feel okay with such an arrangement because there is a very individualized outlook on life and this would be too "controlling and suppressing" for the average American. This really shows how important the ie system was in Japan, even though it didn't stem from that but rather was solidified by it. Overall, I do not feel I could ever be apart of such an arrangement, but I can see why it has been so and continues to be in modern day Japan.
b) "People do not have to suffer many of the negative consequences of dating, such as finding opportunities to meet others or suffering face-to-face rejection. Japanese people are often very busy and do not have the time or energy to meet and date a variety of prospective partners, so omiai provides a means of overcoming this obstacle." pg 167
I can completely understand this reasoning on why this practice is still in use today. We all know what it is like to go through the dating system and to put it short and sweet, it's a bitch. Heartbreak can definitely be one of the worst things to experience and I can understand the want to avoid this. Every American honestly could probably agree that they would rather just find the person that they love their first try and never have to suffer through the trials that is the single life. However, part of getting to know someone is going through the time to go out on dates, to show that you are willing to make time for a person, so that in the future you will have to time to be there when you are needed. So I do have some reserves on this reasoning. However, understanding that the Japanese value their work, I can see why such a train of thought could be accepted by the populous. The more time they can devote to their work, the better.
I felt this discussion was overall good, I didn't agree with everything that was said, however I definitely enjoy being challenged and seeing a different opinion to an idea I have. I feel like I was a little out of it because I wasn't feeling well but that is the life of a student.
Bushido:
a) "Thus, the spiritual elements of bushido come from Zen Buddhism, and Zen religious practices were used by samurai to train physically and mentally. They acquired skill in improving their military acts in a way that kept the mind calm, whatever happened, through Zen." pg 43
I found this very interesting. I never would have guessed that Zen Buddhism would be the backbone of such a famous force of military power. The idea of committing yourself to this way of thinking and life would not sit well with most Americans. I feel that we, at least my generation, overall do not devote ourselves so much to our ways of life. We are, in general, a generation that looks for an easier way to achieve our goals, and would not put in the time in order to reach such a highly developed way of living. However, this does give me more insight into how the samurais were as powerful and skilled as they were to be told.
b) "Moreover, in modern times, some Japanese are driven to commit suicide when they want to clear an unsavory reputation or when they want to apologize for their sins or mistakes in their company or family. The Japanese people tend to accept and even glorify these kinds of suicides and feel sympathy for the victims..." pg 48
I have to say I find this quite appalling. I have always been taught life is precious. No matter what the world throws at you, if you are able to get through it, you will come out a stronger and wiser person. This idea that it is "accepted and glorified" is very shocking to me and I would even say dangerous. I know that many other Americans, especially teens who are growing up in a world of confusion due to hormones, peer pressure, etc, would state just the same thing. I honestly think this shows us why Japan's teenage suicide rate is so high. Out of the many aspects of bushido,this one, in my opinion, is the worst to still remain in a modern society.
Giri:
a) "if you receive a present from someone, you should return something which is of equal value" pg 97
I feel that this is not the same in the United States. While we would like to try and be giving gifts close to the same value as those who we are receiving them from, it is not always the case with people. There have been many times when I have given a gift to someone out of the sheer want to give a gift and see them enjoy it. However, I do not always expect a gift in return. There's a saying in the United States, "it's the thought that counts." This really does apply to our general way of thinking about giving and receiving gifts. Also, I feel that we appreciate gifts that are sentimental rather than by the price-tag and this concept can make it hard to give a gift of "equal value." I can see why this applies in Japanese culture, since it has been ingrained into their ways of life for many, many years; however, I do not see it being exactly equivalent in American culture.
b) "Chinese religious ritual was thus transformed into a custom of gift exchange in Japan..." pg 98
I picked this quote because it reminded me of the Western holiday known as Christmas. I found it funny that two separate cultures can come to the same end means of taking a religious holiday and turning it into a way of giving gifts. I feel that most Americans could understand this idea of giving gifts on a holiday but maybe not to the extent that they do it. We do it not really out of obligation most of the time but out of the want to "bless" someone with a gift. However, it seems in Japan it is practically mandatory for them to do so. Overall though, I feel it is really cool to see that Japanese culture and Western culture can develop very similarly, it definitely shows we are not that all different.
The Japanese ie System:
a) "...the Japanese adoption system had two main goals: (I) to obtain an heir to succeed to the ownership of the land and property, and (II) to ensure the performance of proper rites for the sake of the family's ancestors." pg 121
I find this system for adoption very peculiar. Adoption, within our culture, has always been a way for families to provide care for a child that has lost his/her parents in one way or another. While, at times, it has been a way for people who are unable to to have their own kids, this basis of adoption can still be applied. It seems very foreign to me to want to adopt someone for the sole purpose of continuing the family line and making sure your ancestors are properly worshiped and such. However, once you understand how important these are to the people of Japan, it is easy to see how this system came to be. It really reflects how important the family name is and the deepness of their religious customs.
b) "On the other hand, women still tend to avoid eldest sons when they marry, because the eldest son has to take care of his parents in the ie system." pg 124
I never thought that this could be a thing in a modern day super power. For me, I know that I will marry the person I love, no matter what their family obligations are. I feel that in America, we value the connection with a person over their family ties. Also, we don't really have a system for who has to take care of our parents. It feels like in our culture, if there is any sort of obligation to do so, it seems to be more divided equally among all the children rather than just the eldest son. However, once again, the fact that this is still a factor in Japanese life, this allows us to see how much their culture is based on traditional values that date way back. I feel that seeing this allows us to better understand the Japanese way of life.
Omiai:
a) "The wishes of the people who were getting married were most often ignored, and sometimes the couple did not even meet each other until the day of their wedding." pg 166
I feel that I could never go through such a marriage. To me, marriage has always been the ultimate way to show that you have love and affection for a person. It is one of the biggest things you can do to show your devotion to someone by getting married. Under a system of an arranged marriage, I would feel that this would not be so. However, I can see the reasoning behind it and I feel most Americans could see it as well. That being said, I do not feel many Americans would feel okay with such an arrangement because there is a very individualized outlook on life and this would be too "controlling and suppressing" for the average American. This really shows how important the ie system was in Japan, even though it didn't stem from that but rather was solidified by it. Overall, I do not feel I could ever be apart of such an arrangement, but I can see why it has been so and continues to be in modern day Japan.
b) "People do not have to suffer many of the negative consequences of dating, such as finding opportunities to meet others or suffering face-to-face rejection. Japanese people are often very busy and do not have the time or energy to meet and date a variety of prospective partners, so omiai provides a means of overcoming this obstacle." pg 167
I can completely understand this reasoning on why this practice is still in use today. We all know what it is like to go through the dating system and to put it short and sweet, it's a bitch. Heartbreak can definitely be one of the worst things to experience and I can understand the want to avoid this. Every American honestly could probably agree that they would rather just find the person that they love their first try and never have to suffer through the trials that is the single life. However, part of getting to know someone is going through the time to go out on dates, to show that you are willing to make time for a person, so that in the future you will have to time to be there when you are needed. So I do have some reserves on this reasoning. However, understanding that the Japanese value their work, I can see why such a train of thought could be accepted by the populous. The more time they can devote to their work, the better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)